Meet Your Mentor: Angela McCreary

Hi Team Illinois! Dex McCreary, my husband, and I have completed the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon every year since our daughter, Brooke, was diagnosed at the age of two with ulcerative colitis and autoimmune hepatitis (2008).  

Brooke has done well with the meds and has not had any flare ups since getting it under control.  She just turned five and has steadily been climbing the growth chart...35% in weight up from 5% & 65% on height up from 7%!

CCFA  helped us deal with all that was going on and inspired us.  I remember the GI specialist we drove 3 1/2 hours to see at Children's basically handed us a huge three ring binder about CCFA and uc when she was diagnosed.  When I checked out the CCFA  website, I saw the Team Challenge Napa information.  This was my opportunity to get to wine country! (Dex had been there many a times with work)  It was great to have a goal....something positive in the storm of unknown.  

Last year, we ran with the Chicago team (after moving to a city that had a local team).  CCFA has helped my family and I through the early tough times and has allowed us to grow along with others along the journey.  I am inspired every year through out the event.  This last years young speakers at the pasta party touched my heart and made me cry (although I am an easy crier).  We are so thankful for the research done by CCFA and all the amazing donors. 

I was a secondary mentor last year as we joined a little late because of moving, but pretty much took the team communication and the trip part on.  This year I am in school going back for nursing, so life is a little crazy. I loved the experience and sharing it with others.  Sometimes seeing how young this disease can hit can pull on heart strings....at least it does mine.  We need others to be aware so that the suffering before diagnoses can be eliminated.  Brooke had symptoms since she was 10 months old, and it took until she was two before her diagnosis.  It is very frustrating! If we spread the word, hopefully others can be empowered to push their doctors for the right test and medicine can be started.  Hopefully, someday she will not have to take medicine three times daily.  Hopefully, some day we will have a cure!  Until then, Dex & I will be "crossing the finish line for a cure".